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Friday, January 8, 2016

Friday, Friday!

It seems the more I get done on this quilt, the more I want to do! Thanks goodness for cold weather!!

My quilting lines may not be correct, but hey, that's pretty good lookin' hand applique! LOL

One more block complete.

I have had a really busy work week and haven't had a chance to respond to comments left. I was asked for more details about my hand quilting. Along with everything else I do with quilting, I'm sure there is a better way, this just happens to work for me. Everything in the above photo is kept on the coffee table, so when I watch a little evening television it is ready to pick up and quilt. (I don't recommend foreign films with subtitles!)

I have to admit to using a variety of threads on my large, slow hand quilting. Right now I am using this Mettlers 50weight cotton in ecru and I like it a lot. It doesn't twist or break.

Then I have my dollar store magnifying glasses (needing them more and more!) my Frixion pen, which irons off (yes, controversial, I know) and super simple metal thimble that is flat on the top.

I also have an inexpensive 14" wooden hoop that I use. I've tried various types and styles of hoops and this works for me.

That's it for my humble supplies. If you have a favorite hand quilting "tool or supply" feel free to tell me in the comments.

Not much new on my Instagram feed this week. I've been busy pushing auto parts instead of taking photos. I did sign up for a class at Sisters- taught by Sajuta- Yay! and I loved the book "The Taming of the Queen". I cannot remember who posted about it on their blog, but thanks!

34 comments:

I use pretty much the same, but instead of the frixion pen I use sew line pink pencils. And, I can't quilt without a needle puller. It really protects your thumb because you don't pull with your thumb. Really would recommend that! Love your quilting job!

You are really coming along with your quilting. I too use a frixon pen, and a metal thimble. I use a gel thimble for applique and a metal flat top for quilting. I love John James needles. Right now I'm quilting with #12 pearl cotton for a bigger stitch. Hugs

Does your DH laugh at you for always working on a project while "watching" TV? Mine does (my son does also). They claim I don't really see the program. I think women can multi-task much better than men! I wish I could hand quilt, but my fingers go numb after a little bit of hand sewing - luckily I can do some hand appliqué if I don't do too much of it at once. However, I do like how I can get a quilt machine quilted a lot faster.

There is something about a red & green applique quilt that gets my heart beating a bit faster. I always have some kind of needlework handy while I watch TV. One thing though, I would rather use a Quilter's Ultimate Marking Pencil or Bohn Pencil...have a :( story about those chemical pens. Love your quilting.

Randy is probably right about the glasses. Why doesn't my dollar store have such classics?I do keep a needle grabber handy for going through tough seams. Helps me keep a grip on the needle.I use the same brand of needles, but I use size 8. When I tell people that they are shocked. Everyone has been taught that you can't take small stitches with a large (by hand quilting standards) needle. I beg to differ. Haven't used the frixion pen, but I still haven't settled on one "best" marker. My Mom always used a pencil. That was the old school way. : )

My favorite hand-quilting tool has to be masking tape. I've used it for 40 years to temporarily mark straight lines. It can be easily ripped off and reused a couple of times. I also use it when machine quilting straight lines. Sally

I hope there is more stitching time for you on the weekend! Your handquilting and applique look lovely to me :0) I smiled at your comment about films with subtitles - I know - lol! I also don't get many stitches in while watching Downton Abbey... I always mark straight lines with masking tape too but I'm a big believer in using what works best for you and makes you happy.

Back when I did hand quilting, I didn't use a hoop or a frame, I just quilted in my lap after basting with safety pins - and I really enjoyed it that way. Your applique quilt is so beautiful - it'll be a family heirloom when it's finished!

Beautiful, Lori. I love Frixion pens but am scared to continue using them because of all the controversy. Glad to see you are using them. Now I 'll go back to them. I often said if it gets cold enough in my house for the marks to reappear then I have bigger problems.LOL

Your quilt is coming along beautifully. My hand quilting supplies are very similar but I use either blue wash out pen or a Karisma pencil for marking. I also suggest that a tenacious desire to complete a hand quilted project is always an asset. I love hand quilting but it does take some dedication and patience!

I was glad you showed your thread, I am still finding what I like best. I had Frixion pens that left lines behind, so I would not chance them again. I'm trying chalk pencils, but was very interested to see what the other ladies suggested. I am going to Google needle puller, as I don't know what that is.I shall enjoy watching your progress.

I use the same things, I like to keep it simple. One tip for the frixion pen - I remove the marks with my hairdryer. I have noticed that ironing can leave a fine white line, the hairdryer avoids that. I also use it if I have mismarked - then you can go back and redo.Your quilt is truly beautiful, I love it. Enjoy the quilting !

Just had to catch up...so great to see the progress on your Cherry Tree quilt! My own has been neglected since October. Every Christmas goes by wishing it was on our bed for the holidays. I used to quilt with a larger oval shaped hoop but as hands and arms have gotten "older" a smaller round 14" hoop seems to fit better.

Interesting! I didn't know there were problems w/ Frixion pens. I do use them. Also use masking tape. I don t use a hoop; I use a thimble on each hand, one underneath. Any plain thimble is fine. And I use a long thin ''sharp'' John James. Manipulating the tiny needles hurts my hand / thumb. Of course I am not the best quilter either, though I've been quilting since I was a little girl. I love those glasses , Lori. So cool.

Beautiful work! Love your stitches, very neat. I love Mettler thread, unfortunately I cannot find the cotton kind anywhere (in The Netherlands) anymore. A quiltshop in my hometown used to have it and it was the only place, but it has gone out of business unfortunately. With regards to the needles, I am afraid I do not like the John James needles at all, have tried them a few times, but find the point not sharp enough and that the needle does not glide easily enough through the fabric. Instead, I love Bohin needles (all kinds of Bohin needles, bought all kinds of needles at their wonderful booth at Quilt Festival in Houston when I was there) and the needles by Jeana Kimball.

Beautiful hand quilting! Your stitches looks so tiny and even. It is best to do things with a bit of style, I think your glasses add just the right amount. Seeing your photos is encouraging me to hand quilt my Cranberry Album top from the sew along with Karen. I just need to get the blocks put together.

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